The Pirate Queen: The Story of Grace O'Malley, Irish Pirate

Grace O'Malley led a long and adventurous life. Not always an easy one but one with never a dull moment. From the moment of her first marriage she would not be tamed into a life of a subservient wife. She had a mind of her own and wouldn't let any man, let alone Queen Elizabeth I of England, subdue her. In Grace's career as a pirate she nearly bankrupted the English treasury, had a few husbands and lovers with very diverse backgrounds and heritages, made herself a fortune and was mother to four children. She also had a unique but amicable relationship with Queen Elizabeth I after much discussion between them concerning their lives and whatever else came to their minds. This is an exciting, swashbuckling tale about a little known historical Irish persona in the 16th century. Her life is the stuff legends are made of and I only wish there were as many historical fictions novel about Grace O'Malley as there are about Elizabeth I, Queen of England. There are two historical fiction novels by Morgan Llywelyn concerning Grace O'Malley, I've read both and they are very excellent reads as well as this one.

I became a fan after I read 'Warrior Queen' and had to go out and get this one. This book isn't as bloody and brutal as 'Warrior Queen' but it's still good. Having to tell the story of a great woman like this in only 356 pages is tough and there were some areas where I felt the author was jumping around to cover everything. I wasn't as enthralled with the Queen of England part(s)of this book either, but since her and Grace were friends there probably wasn't anyway around it. This book will make you spend time online finding out more about Grace and her life, I know I will. I do like Mr. Gold's work because he does tell a good story and doesn't hold back on the brutality when the story calls for it. This book is definately worth your time.

I thought this book was very worth my money. The story is well written and believeable. Being that this is historical fiction, both characters, in my opinion, were portrayed accuratly, especially Queen Elizabeth I. The book is entertaining and realistic, there was no over-played romance or drama. I've actually read this book twice and loaned it to a friend, and so far she thinks it's great! I'm hoping for more of Alan Gold!